Update No. 10 | May 15, 2025

Here's the latest: Exciting changes are unfolding along the Riverwalk as we make major strides toward reimagining Huizenga Park. From brickwork to foundations, the pieces of this transformative project are falling into place.

What's happening: 

1. Riverwalk Reimagined nears completion.
2. Huizenga Park's bathroom building takes shape.
3. Underground utilities continue in the park.

Stay in the Loop: There are several ways for you to follow along on our journey. 

• Follow @huizengapark on Facebook, Instagram and X
• Share your favorite photo of a memory at Huizenga Park for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!
• Go to www.huizengapark.org
• Feel free to call or email if you have questions: 954-463-6574

Check out some other exciting Huizenga Park news below – a 3 min read.

Upcoming Pedestrian Detour: Andrews Avenue Bridge Stairs

Heads up, Downtowners! The northern stairs of the Andrews Avenue bridge will need to be closed temporarily to complete concrete and paver work along the Riverwalk. Pedestrians will not be able to access the northern stairs from the bridge or the Riverwalk during this closure. Please follow posted signs and use caution. 

The stair closure is planned to begin on Monday, May 19, 2025 through Friday, June 6, 2025. This schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Transformation in the Making

Huizenga Park as of May 13, 2025

Things are looking up in Huizenga Park, literally! Our above-ground improvements are starting to pop up, with Riverwalk Reimagined nearing completion and the park's new bathroom building emerging.

Riverwalk Reimagined nears completion.

• Crews have made tremendous progress in placing thousands of bricks back into our city's iconic Riverwalk pathway.
• As Riverwalk gets closer to completion, you'll start to see the final touches coming in, including new landscaping and placement of the custom etched bricks that were inventoried before construction.
• Stayed tuned for the official reopening this summer!

Construction crew installing the Riverwalk bricks, which requires delicate cutting to achieve curves.

Completed Riverwalk overlook structure extending over the New River with Riverwalk bricks installed.

Huizenga Park's bathroom building and deck take shape.

• The bathroom foundations have been poured, the first of many milestones for this small building.
• The shell of the building is starting to take shape with walls and columns going up.
• Work to build the future River Landing, a wooden deck located along Riverwalk, is now underway as crews get started on the foundations.

Construction team working on the formwork for the bathroom building's concrete columns.

Work on the future River Landing deck getting started.

Underground utilities continue in Huizenga Park.

• Our construction crew is nearly complete with the installation of the stormwater system – including 1,000 linear feet of piping, 450 linear feet of exfiltration trench, and a deep-water injection well 116 feet deep – needed to ensure the park drains properly for years to come.
• Crews continue to find old underground infrastructure that requires removal while working on the sanitary sewer system that is now underway.
• Water and electrical infrastructure are coming up next, completing the underground work needed within the park.

Discovered underground pipe that was previously abandoned requiring removal.

Sewer line installation in progress within the park.

30-Day Outlook

Drone photograph of Riverwalk progress in April as crews were installing brick pavers.

Here's what's next: The contractor will continue to make progress on Riverwalk Reimagined, targeting reopening to the public this summer. Within the park, the underground utilities will wrap up with water, sewer and electrical work, as well as continued progress on the shell of the bathroom building.

Other impacts: One eastbound lane along Las Olas Boulevard will remain closed from Andrews Avenue to SE 1 Avenue. This serves to provide truck access into the park and minimize the number of construction vehicles that need to enter SE 1 Avenue. The sidewalk on the west side of SE 1 Avenue will remain closed for pedestrian safety and the Riverwalk will continue to be detoured until Riverwalk reopens. Don't forget that impacts to the northern stairs of the Andrews Avenue Bridge begin on May 19 for two weeks.

Views from Above

Take a look at this stunning view of Huizenga Park from above! We love seeing your photos and the unique perspectives you share as the park transforms. Thank you for following along and staying excited with us—we can’t wait to welcome you back in Huizenga Park when we reopen at the end of the year!

Project history and timeline

After years of planning and design, Huizenga Park will undergo a complete renovation that kicked off in August 2024. Construction is expected to take just over a year to complete, reopening by the end of 2025. 

Big Vision: Huizenga Park will become Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature gathering place, exquisitely designed, activated, safe and comfortable. A space for everyone, to be used from morning through the evening, and every day of the year. A series of uniquely designed outdoor rooms will set Huizenga Park apart from traditional parks, offering opportunities for leisure, dining, physical activity, events, and meet-ups. A reimagined Huizenga Park will set the new standard for urban parks in Fort Lauderdale. 

About the Huizenga Park Foundation

The Huizenga Park Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2022 to promote, advance, foster and support the reimagining of Huizenga Park.

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